Cabin in the Sky is the next lesser-known musical to be presented in modest concert form by the downtown Musicals Tonight! company, Oct. 21-Nov. 9.

Vernon Duke penned the music, Lynn Root the libretto and John Latouche the lyrics. The show, a musical fable "about a tug of war between good and evil in the South," spawned the hit song, "Taking a Chance on Love."

The 1940 Broadway musical starred Ethel Waters. George Balanchine was choreographer and director. Katherine Dunham made her Broadway debut with the show. Todd Duncan, Rex Ingram and Dooley Wilson also starred. The 1943 film featured Waters and a young Lena Horne.

Four special songs will be heard in the piano-and-voice Cabin in the Sky: "Living It Up," with words and music by Duke, heard in the 1964 Off-Broadway revival; "We'll Live All Over Again" (cut from the 1940 show); and "Not a Care in the World," from Duke's Banjo Eyes.

Casting will be announced. Performances play the Mainstage of the Sol Goldman 14th Street YMHA, 344 E. 14th Street between First and Second Avenue. For information, call (212) 868-4444.

Mel Miller is artistic director of Musicals Tonight!, which operates on a shoestring budget.